Tsunami Science Study Guide
Earth Science & Engineering Unit Exam Review
Tsunami Science Study Guide
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Period: Date:
Key Focus: Master the 6 core vocabulary terms, the 3 triggers of tsunamis, wave behavior near shores, and engineering criteria for alert systems.
Part 1: Essential Vocabulary Dossier
Matching Section Review
Geohazard Q11
A natural disaster on Earth, such as an earthquake, tornado, or flood.
Tsunami Q14
A large ocean wave caused by a sudden shift in the seafloor.
Convergent Q13
A tectonic boundary that is moving toward the same place (colliding).
Sensor Q12
A device that detects information in its environment and responds.
Evacuate Q15
To move somewhere safe (away from hazards or onto higher ground).
Dossier Q16
A set of related documents about a particular topic or investigation.
Part 2: Causes & Wave Mechanics
Questions 1, 2, & 7
1. What can cause a tsunami? → "All of these" (Three Triggers):
Underwater Earthquakes
Sudden vertical plate shifts displacing seafloor
Underwater Volcanoes
Explosive eruptions or seafloor caldera collapses
Landslides
Massive underwater rock & sediment collapse
Deep Ocean (Open Water)
- Travels at jet-plane speeds (450–600 mph).
- Wave height is small (often 1–3 ft, barely felt by boats).
Shallow Water Near Land (Shoaling)
- Seafloor friction slows wave speed down.
- Waves compress and get BIGGER (towering wall of water).
Earthquake Magnitude Rule (Q7):
What magnitude earthquake creates a tsunami?
OVER 7.0 MAGNITUDE
Active Recall Checkpoint:
1. Near land, shallow water makes waves get:
2. Earthquake magnitude required:
Tsunami Science & Geohazard Preparedness Study Guide Page 1 of 2
Plate Tectonics, Sensors & Alert Systems
Part 3 & Part 4
Part 3: Convergent Boundaries & Geography
Questions 4, 5, 6, & 8
Boundary Type (Q4)
Convergent
Tsunamis usually occur at convergent boundaries where plates collide and subduct.
2 Landforms (Q8)
Trenches & Mountains
Convergent boundaries produce deep ocean trenches and mountain chains.
Ocean Hotspot (Q5)
Pacific Ocean
Most tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean along the tectonically active "Ring of Fire."
Trench Definition (Q6): A long, deep indentation in the ocean floor formed when two tectonic plates move together.
Part 4: Alert System Engineering & Sensors
Questions 9 & 10
Sensors That Detect Tsunamis:
• Deep Ocean Sensors (DART): Measure ocean bottom water pressure changes as waves pass.
• Shallow Water Sensors: Coastal tide gauge stations measure rapid water height changes.
Sensor That Does NOT Detect Tsunamis (Q9):
Earthquake Sensor (Seismograph)
Detects ground shaking, not the tsunami wave! Many quakes do not produce waves, so it cannot confirm a tsunami.
Criteria Needed When Designing a Tsunami Alert System (Q10): Engineering trade-offs
Criterion 1 Warning Time
Criterion 2 Low False Alarms
Criterion 3 Low Cost
NOT A CRITERION Good-Looking Design
Part 5: Emergency Action Plan & Safety
Question 3
If you think a tsunami is coming: EVACUATE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY!
NEVER go to the beach
or stay to watch!
Quick Self-Test Checklist (Check off when mastered): All 10 quiz questions covered
Ocean with most tsunamis: Pacific (Q5)
Boundary type: Convergent (Q4)
Does not detect waves: Earthquake sensor (Q9)
Landforms made: Trenches & Mountains (Q8)
Deep seafloor indent: Trench (Q6)
Correct emergency response: Go to higher ground (Q3)
Tsunami Science & Geohazard Preparedness Study Guide Page 2 of 2
